Frozen Summer Treats for Horses

A frozen treat block keeps horses entertained and cool in summer. Freeze apple and carrot slices with mint in a bucket of water.

Serve in a tub so it does not slide around.

Why your horse will love this

• Hours of licking on hot days
• Encourages drinking
• No cooking

Ingredient notes

• Apples, sliced Safe

  Quartered to reduce choking risk.

• Carrots, sliced lengthwise Safe

  Cut lengthwise to reduce choking risk.

• Fresh mint Safe

  Fresh or dried leaves or a few drops of food-grade extract.

See every ingredient in the safety guide

How to make Frozen Summer Treats for Horses

Frozen Summer Treats for Horses takes about 12 hours 10 minutes from start to finish and makes 1 ice block. It is an easy recipe. You will need a small bucket. Read through every step once before you start, and set out all the ingredients so nothing is missed.

Ingredients and why they are here

You need 4 ingredients. Each one is checked against the ingredient safety guide for horses.

• 2 medium apples, sliced: Quartered to reduce choking risk.
• 3 medium carrots, sliced lengthwise: Cut lengthwise to reduce choking risk.
• 1 handful fresh mint: Fresh or dried leaves or a few drops of food-grade extract.
• 8 cups water

Step-by-step instructions

1. Layer the apple, carrot and mint in a small bucket.
2. Fill with water.
3. Freeze overnight or until solid. Allow about 12 hours.
4. Run warm water over the bucket to release the block.
5. Serve in a feed tub.

Tips for success

• Cut carrots lengthwise to reduce choking risk.
• Use a bucket with a smooth inside for easy release.
• Serve in the shade.

How to store it

Let everything cool completely before you pack it away, since trapped steam causes sogginess and mold. Keep it in the freezer for up to 4 weeks. If anything smells off or shows mold, throw it out.

How much to serve

One block shared between 1 or 2 horses.

Why horses love it

Hours of licking on hot days. Encourages drinking. No cooking.

Feeding tips for horses

Introduce any new feed or treat gradually, as sudden changes can upset a horse’s digestion. Horses with insulin resistance, Cushing’s or a history of laminitis need low-sugar treats, so check with your vet. Hand-feed treats from a flat palm, or put them in a bucket to discourage nipping. Fresh water and good forage come first.

Make it ahead

To save time, measure and prep the ingredients the day before and keep them covered in the fridge. Label containers with the recipe name and date so you always know what to use first. Most of the work in this recipe is hands-off, so it fits easily around a busy week.

What to watch for

Watch for signs of colic after any feed change: pawing, rolling, looking at the belly, or not passing manure. Colic is an emergency, so call your vet right away. Heat in the hooves or a reluctance to walk can be signs of laminitis, especially in horses on rich feed.

Shopping list

Before you start, check that you have apples, carrots, fresh mint and water. Most of it is at the grocery store; hay, pellets, feed and supplements are at pet or feed stores. Buy fresh produce close to the day you cook.

Serving ideas

For a smaller treat, freeze the same mix in a muffin tin and hand out one puck at a time after a ride. Add a few slices of watermelon in midsummer; many horses love it, rind and all, in small amounts.

Safety notes

Never add onion, garlic, chocolate, grapes, raisins, xylitol or salt, and check the safety guide before trying a new ingredient with your horse. This recipe is general information, not veterinary advice.

Frequently asked questions

Can horses eat ice?

Licking a frozen treat block is fine.

How do I keep horses cool?

Shade, water, airflow and cool treats.

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